12 Things To Know Before Moving to Philadelphia in 2026

If you’re moving to Philadelphia, you’re probably wondering what it’s like living in Philadelphia and what you need to know to fit right into your adopted city like a real Philadelphian. Sure, everyone knows Philly is a historic place — the birthplace of the nation and all that — but do you know what makes it a fresh, cosmopolitan city with nearly anything you could imagine to do, eat, visit, see, and cheer for? Thought so. That’s why we’ve created this guide to living in Philadelphia. Enjoy reading about fun city details and take note of the practical tips so you can appreciate your new surroundings as quickly as possible..

But Wait. Why Consider Moving to Philly? What About Other Cities in the Northeast?

How is living in Philadelphia different from other cities in the Northeast? The Northeastern major metropolitan areas each have their perks and personalities, but if you’re interested in moving to Philadelphia and want to be able to visit other cities, keep in mind that in just seven hours, you can get from Boston to Washington, D.C., on Amtrak’s Acela Train. There are stops in New York, as well. These big cities are often thought of in tandem with Philly, but which is the best? Here are some comparisons.

Cost of Living in Philadelphia vs. NYC, Boston, and D.C.

Is it cheaper to live in Philly or NYC? Living in Philadelphia is much cheaper than not just New York City, but most major Northeastern metropolitan cities — there’s no question that Philly keeps its crown when it comes to cost of living. With an average of 104.3 (only four percent higher than the national index), you’re not going to find a cheaper big city to call home. From there, Boston is the second cheapest, coming in at 150.8, then Washington, D.C., at 151.9, and NYC at 172.5.

Job Market in Philadelphia vs. NYC

All four of these cities ranked in the top 15 on Handshake’s list for places where new college grads are applying for jobs, with New York coming in at No. 1 and Philadelphia at No. 10. It’s worth noting that Philadelphia’s unemployment rate is higher than the national average, but its job growth is strong when compared to similarly sized cities

The biggest difference in these four cities, however, lies in their cultures.

Between the Phillies and the Red Sox, baseball fans can get their fix whether they’re living in Philadelphia or Boston.
(Source: Meet Boston via Facebook)

Living in Boston vs. Philadelphia

While locals will tell you Boston’s public transit beats out Philly’s, Boston’s housing can make things difficult. Philly has Boston beat when it comes to nightlife and drinking culture altogether. You can’t even head to your favorite bar for happy hour after work in Boston, as it’s banned throughout the state.

If you’re moving with kids, though, you’ll be giving them unparalleled access to a great education. Boston spends almost 14 percent more per student than Philly, and the student-teacher ratio in Boston is over 25 percent lower than it is in Philly. Both cities have great universities and colleges to choose from, though.

For nature lovers, Boston can give you easy access to the mountains and other northern amenities, but nothing beats how close Philly is to the Big Apple if you want to visit NYC often.

Living in Philadelphia vs. New York

People love to pit these two cities against each other, but locals make one thing very clear: Philly isn’t trying to be New York, and it has no interest in pretending it even wants to be. When comparing these two cities, it really comes down to the lifestyle you’re interested in.

New York is known for its hustle culture and round-the-clock nightlife. It’s filled with glitz and glam, and finding a world-class restaurant is easier than trying to cross the street. Philly, on the other hand, is much more laid back. You can still find great bars and restaurants, but you’re more likely to find craft breweries, a Philly cheesesteak, and historic attractions at every turn.

They’re the closest together on this list — only a two-hour drive or a 90-minute train ride — but they each come with their own unique culture and a group of locals who are proud to call their cities home.

Living in DC vs. Philadelphia

Finally, how do the pros and cons of living in Washington, DC, compare to those of Philly? Between these two, Philadelphia is the bigger option, in terms of both people and size. DC has a hustle culture similar to New York, but it’s more white-collar and “professional” compared to NYC’s artsy, high-fashion moments (unless you’re living in the Financial District). The nightlife and music scenes are going to differ depending on who you ask, but the biggest difference is in the overall culture.

DC is a city of transplants, while Philly is a city of natives. Locals will tell you life feels more laidback in Philly and that the residents aren’t as focused on “who you know” and business in their personal time. DC is a city for changemakers and politicians, which doesn’t make it better or worse than Philly; it just means you should be prepared for two distinct types of people, depending on where you move. Local love for Philly runs deep, and you’ll see that in the people you encounter daily.

Now, then. On to the Philly specifics…

1. Philadelphia Is a City of Neighborhoods

Philadelphia is a city of distinct but connected neighborhoods — over 100 in total. From the Great Northeast to South Philly, diverse and inviting neighborhoods are filled with stoop-front row houses, detached homes, and high-rise apartments and condos. If you’re moving to Philadelphia but haven’t decided where to live, check out these neighborhood guides from the PODS Blog.

• Best Philadelphia Neighborhoods
• Family-Friendly Neighborhoods in Philadelphia
• Safest Neighborhoods in Philadelphia

If you’re moving to Philadelphia, know that winters are moderately cold, inviting about 20 inches of snow each year.
(Source: @visitphilly via Facebook)

You don’t have to deal with constant gridlock when living in Philadelphia
(Source: Google Maps)

4. Phillyspeak Is Easy With This Primer

We’re going to give you a little homework before moving to Philadelphia so you’ll fit in like a regular. Like most major cities, the city has its own vernacular — something any newcomer must eventually learn.

Here’s a guide to words in Philly Speak:

• Jawn: Can literally mean anything; any jawn is a jawn
• Yo: Greeting; hello
• Yiz: Addressing a group of people
• Iggles: Super Bowl champion football team (also “the Birds”)
• Wooder: Water
• Hoagie: Don’t ever say “sub”
• Jimmies: Candy toppings on ice cream
• Wit: Ordering onions on a cheesesteak
• Downtheshore: The Jersey beaches
• Mischief Night: The night before Halloween to pull pranks
• Lager: Ask for it and get a Yuengling beer
• Gravy: Red pasta sauce
• Jeet: “Did you eat?”
• El: The Market-Frankford elevated train
• Center City: Don’t call it “downtown”
• MAC Machine: An ATM
• State Store: Where you buy liquor and wine
• Delco and Montco: Delaware and Montgomery Counties

The figure-eight shape of a soft Philly pretzel makes it perfect for dipping.
(Source: Philly Pretzel Factory via Facebook)

Moving to Philadelphia comes with a hearty side of delicious dining options.
(Source: Barclay Prime via Facebook)

Living in Philadelphia means eating well, and nothing satisfies a sweet tooth like Termini Brothers cannoli fresh from the bakery.
(Source: Termini Brothers Bakery via Facebook)

Sweets:

• Termini Brothers Bakery, for cannoli
• The Franklin Fountain, for ice cream and milkshakes
• Beiler’s Doughnuts
• John's Water Ice

On-the-Go:

• Wawa, more a culture than a convenience store chain (Fun fact: The first one opened up just outside of Philly)
• Everything You Can Imagine and More:
• Reading Terminal Market, featuring over 30 eateries (and pronounced "Redding")

If you’re a paranormal lover living in Philadelphia, you can take a spooky tour of Eastern State Penitentiary, an abandoned jail filled with ruins and possibly a ghost or two.
(Source: Eastern State Penitentiary via Facebook)

6. History Haunts Some Philadelphia Museums

Here’s what you need to know before moving to Philadelphia: History in Philly lives down every street the Founding Fathers walked. But it’s also filled with art, culture, science, and education. Both in and away from the Parkway Museum district, there are incredible destinations for the whole family, including these must-visit attractions.

Probably Haunted

• Eastern State Penitentiary
• Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site

History

• Independence National Historical Park: Independence Hall, Liberty Bell, City Tavern, Christ Church, Franklin Court, and more
• Old City Museums: National Constitution Center, Museum of the American Revolution, Betsy Ross House, U.S. Mint, Elfreth’s Alley Museum, African American Museum in Philadelphia, and Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History

Science, Technology, and Military

• Academy of Natural Sciences
• Battleship USS New Jersey (across the river)
• Fort Mifflin, America’s oldest active military base
• The Franklin Institute (science museum)
• Independence Seaport Museum
• Penn Museum (archaeology and anthropology)
• Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum

Who needs mistletoe when you have the iconic Philly LOVE sculpture? Though it has a rep as a tourist attraction, you have to take at least one pic there after moving to Philadelphia.
(Source: @visitphilly via Facebook)

Famous Places To Visit

• Running up the Rocky steps
• LOVE sculpture in JFK Plaza

• Bartram's Garden, America’s oldest botanical garden

Laid-Back Exercise

• Race Street Pier yoga
• Sedgley Woods Disc Golf Course

Philadelphia knows how to celebrate Independence Day in style.
(Source: Wawa Welcome America via Facebook)

8. From Burger Brawl to the Philly Naked Bike Ride, You'll Never Be Bored When Living in Philadelphia

Not everything great in Philly is available any day you wish. Some of the best goings-on only happen once a year. From parades to exhibits to festivals, here are some amazing things you’ll only get one chance to experience every 12 months.

Festivals and Holidays

• Comcast Holiday Spectacular display
• Halloween Nights at Eastern State Penitentiary
• Wawa Welcome America Festival in July
• Philadelphia Black Pride

Food and Drink

• Parks on Tap roving summer beer garden
• Manayunk's StrEAT Food Festival
• Philly Food Truck Festival

Music

• The Roots Picnic
• WXPN’s XPoNential Music Festival (New Jersey)

Parades

• New Year's Day Mummers Parade
• Thanksgiving Day Parade (America’s oldest)

Sports

• Army-Navy football game
• Broad Street Run (Runner's World named it one of the fastest 10-mile courses in the country)
• Dad Vail Regatta (May)
• Penn Relays, America’s oldest track and field competition
• Philly Naked Bike Ride

Music aficionado? You’re going to love living in Philadelphia.
(Source: TLA via Facebook)

9. Philly’s Music Scene Has a History of Making History

As the hometown of Philadelphia Soul, American Bandstand, Gamble & Huff, and “Rock Around The Clock,” Philly has one of the nation’s greatest music traditions. Artists from Philly span the spectrum from Hall & Oates, Chubby Checker, Patty LaBelle, Boyz II Men, and Will Smith to The Roots, Meek Mill, Diplo, Dr. Dog, War On Drugs, Kurt Vile, Dead Milkmen, and Joan Jett.

It follows that it’s also one of the best cities in America to see and hear live music, with a slew of music venues from iconic clubs to giant stadiums.

Large Clubs

• The Fillmore
• Union Transfer
• Franklin Music Hall
• The Tower Theater
• World Café Live
• Theatre of Living Arts

Smaller Clubs

• Milkboy
• Johnny Brenda’s
• The Foundry (this is a smaller venue at The Fillmore)
• Underground Arts
• Kung Fu Necktie
• The Fire
• And more!

Stadiums

• Lincoln Financial Field
• Citizens Bank Park

Arenas and Halls

• Xfinity Mobile Arena
• Academy of Music
• Kimmel Center

Amphitheaters

• Freedom Mortgage Pavilion
• Mann Center

Be sure to experience a live sports game soon after moving to Philadelphia — like taking in an Eagles game at Lincoln Financial Field.
(Source: Philadelphia Eagles via Facebook) 

10. Sports Are Life When You’re Living in Philadelphia

Unlike places like New York or L.A., Philly has one team only in each of the major sports, so everyone’s on the same page — except when it comes to college basketball, where the city is divided many ways.

Philadelphians bleed team colors. Everyone is involved from every walk of life, and the city’s mood is reflected based on yesterday’s win or loss. So when moving to Philadelphia, if you want to walk into nearly any conversation, be sure to know the Birds’ playoff chances or your favorite Phillie. Here’s a rundown of your sports options each season.

• NFL’s Eagles and NCAA’s Temple University - Lincoln Financial Field (aka the Linc)
• MLB’s Phillies - Citizens Bank Park
• NBA’s 76ers, NHL’s Flyers, and NLL’s Wings - Wells Fargo Center
• MLS’ Union - Subaru Park

• Philadelphia City 6 (previously the Big 5) NCAA basketball: Villanova, Saint Joseph’s, Temple, La Salle, Penn, and Drexel - Various Locations

Q: What to know before going to Philly? A: If you’re moving to Philadelphia or even just visiting, keep in mind that it’s incredibly walkable, so you’ll want to bring good walking shoes, along with weather appropriate gear (it’s hot and humid in the summer and cold and snowy in the winter), plus an appetite for Philly cheesesteak, craft beer, and even some Michelin-Starred restaurants. Also, keep in mind that Philly is a city with over 100 neighborhoods, so you’ll want to do some research to find the best fit for you.

11. Philadelphia Moving Companies Aren’t One-Size-Fits-All

You probably wish you could just skip the moving part and start enjoying your new city right away. If only, right? The next best thing is to plan your move to minimize the hassle, costs, and stress. As a large and old city with narrow, hard-to-navigate neighborhood streets, moving in Philadelphia can be stressful — especially if you’re driving and parking a rental truck. If you’ve relocated before and weren’t that thrilled with the moving experience, it’s a good idea to check all your options before making the final decision. Heck, you may even find that a combination or "hybrid move" works best for you. These two articles will help with your research:

• Self-Moving: Learn how to save money and reduce stress with everything you need to know about moving with a rental truck or moving containers.
• Things To Consider Before Hiring Cross-Country Movers: If you’re moving to Philly from far away, this article will help you decide whether traditional movers or moving containers work best for you based on your situation, needs, and preferences.

With a month’s worth of storage built into every PODS move, you have the freedom and flexibility to take your time moving.

12. You Have Plenty of Options for Moving to Philadelphia

OK, you’ve got moving to Philadelphia on your mind, and now it’s time to start planning your move. To help you do that, we’ve broken down your best options.

PODS Moving and Storage Containers

PODS moving and storage services in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, offer flexibility from start to finish. Have a container delivered right to your driveway, load it up on your own schedule, and then have it picked up and delivered to your new Philly home. With a month of storage included in the cost of every move, you have the freedom and flexibility to take the time you need. Need a few days to pack up? No problem. And if you find yourself wanting one last staycation at home, you’ve got time for that, too

Moving to Philly’s Center City? Let PODS City Service for city moving take care of navigating the narrow Philly streets. With PODS City Service, parking permits are taken care of, and the driver will stay with your container while you move your things into your new home.

Full-Service Movers

If you’re looking for someone else to do all of the work — packing, loading, driving, unloading, and unpacking — then a full-service moving company is what you want. This is (unsurprisingly) the most expensive option. However, despite the higher price tag, hiring a full-service mover doesn’t guarantee everything will arrive in good condition. Do your due diligence to confirm that the company you choose is insured, licensed, and has a good track record with customers. You’re essentially locked in once you book a full-service mover, so be sure to have your moving schedule well planned in advance.

Rental Trucks

If you’re curious about PODS vs. rental trucks, renting a truck is a good option if you have the time, ability, and can-do attitude to handle your move from soup to nuts. There are plenty of companies that will rent you a truck — but beyond that, you’re on your own. Packing, loading, transit, permitting, and unloading are all in your hands. So, while this may seem like the most economical option, there are plenty of hidden costs.

Best of Luck Moving to Philadelphia!

Whether you’re moving a short distance or from across the country, make your move to Philadelphia flexible with PODS portable moving containers. One month’s storage is included in the cost of every move, and PODS can refer you to local packing and loading services to help with the heavy lifting if you need some help. When you’re done, don’t forget to celebrate living in Philadelphia with a cheesesteak and lager!

Visit PODS online for a free local moving quote or call 877-350-7637 for long-distance moving.

Michael Hochman is a Philadelphia-based writer currently working as a lifestyle and travel writer for Apartment Guide and rent.com.

_{*This article was written on behalf of PODS Enterprises, LLC (“PODS”). PODS does not warrant the completeness or accuracy of any information contained in this article and disclaims any liability for reliance upon the content herein.}